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PFAS Treatment Upgrade Project – Construction Update

The Doylestown Borough Water Department continues to make progress on our PFAS Treatment Upgrade Project, an important investment in the long-term safety and reliability of our drinking water system.

Construction at Well 9, located in the Maplewood neighborhood, and Well 10, located in the Sandy Ridge neighborhood, is well underway. Work at both locations continues as new treatment facilities are constructed to provide advanced PFAS removal.

Construction Beginning at Well 12 – Fanny Chapman Park

Construction is now preparing to begin at Well 12, located within the Fanny Chapman Park property. The existing Well 12 building is scheduled to be demolished this week to make way for the new PFAS treatment facility.

Fanny Chapman Pool and Park will remain open to visitors throughout construction. However, visitors should be aware of increased construction activity and vehicle traffic in the area.

For everyone's safety, we ask visitors to:

  • Use caution when entering and exiting the park and pool area.
  • Be alert for construction vehicles
  • and equipment.
  • Follow all posted signs and temporary traffic or access restrictions.
  • Stay outside all fenced or otherwise restricted construction areas.

The Water Department appreciates the community's patience and cooperation as we complete these important infrastructure improvements. We will continue to provide updates as construction progresses at all three well sites.

What Are PFAS and Why This Matters

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made compounds historically used in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and firefighting foams. These compounds have been detected at low levels in groundwater sources across the region.

While current levels in the Borough are relatively low, state and federal regulations are becoming significantly more stringent, requiring proactive treatment solutions.

What We Are Building

The Borough is installing Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment systems at each site.

In simple terms:

  • Water will pass through large tanks filled with specialized carbon media.
  • The carbon captures and removes PFAS compounds.
  • Systems are designed with dual vessels to ensure reliability and safety.

Additional Water Quality Benefits

In addition to PFAS removal, these systems will also:

  • Reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Remove synthetic organic compounds (SOCs)
  • Reduce disinfection by-products
  • Improve overall taste and odor

This project will deliver broader water quality improvements beyond PFAS.

Project Funding

This project is being funded through:

  • $5 million grant (PENNVEST)
  • $1 million low-interest loan (PENNVEST)

Construction Timeline

  • Construction begins: April 2026
  • Duration: Approximately 4 months per site
  • All systems operational: Early 2027

The general contractor for this project is LB Industries, who has completed similar projects for other municipalities and Essential Utilities.

What Residents Can Expect

  • Minimal disruptions to water service.
  • Localized construction activity near well sites.
  • Continued delivery of safe, reliable drinking water throughout construction.

Why This Project Is Important

This project positions Doylestown Borough to:

  • Continue to meet Federal (EPA) and State (PA-DEP) PFAS regulations.
  • Maintain local control of water supply.
  • Avoid costly long-term alternatives.
  • Deliver higher quality drinking water for years to come.

Commitment to the Community

The Doylestown Borough Water Department remains committed to transparency, proactive investment in infrastructure, and protecting public health and safety. Updates will continue to be provided as construction progresses.